LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Waterfront Park officials are trying to solve a mystery after a hat from an art installation tributing famous Kentuckian and former President Abraham Lincoln was stolen.
The Lincoln statue was commissioned by Louisville artist Ed Hamilton and installed in the park in 2009 as a part of the Lincoln Bicentennial.
The statue features Lincoln sitting down while holding a law book in his hand with the hat famously sitting next to him.
“They had to be strong and determined to pry bronze from a base, good grief,” Hamilton shared on his Facebook page on Saturday.
Waterfront Development Corporation President Deborah Bilitski said they were made aware of the theft over the weekend but did not know exactly when it happened.
“The artwork is more than just a Lincoln sculpture,” she said. “It includes a history of slavery and the Confederacy as told by Ed Hamilton. It has always been a very revered, significant part of Waterfront Park.
WHAS11’s Doug Proffitt spoke with Hamilton on Sunday to get further comment.
“Well, I guess whoever ripped off the old Abe hat must be desperate or crazy – certainly can’t wear it. All jokes aside, I guess the times we live in now we may have to rethink how we can make public art less able to be damaged and make it harder for thieves in the night. I don’t have all the answers, so I guess we were lucky to have it survive over 15 years since it was dedicated. I’m hoping I still have the mold and we can recast another one,” he replied.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Bilitski said they see very little theft or vandalism at Waterfront Park. She said security cameras are in place and they cover just about every entrance and exit of the park.
“We just ask the community to help us to safeguard Waterfront Park and this space. The community has always been helpful in that regard,” she said”
Waterfront Development Corporation said they will work with Louisville Metro Police to figure out who is responsible.
“We take this event very, very seriously,” Bilitski said. “We intend to put all of our resources of trying to identify the thief and prosecuting to the fullest extent.”
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